alex mason · call of duty · cia agent · brainwashing trauma · stoic · protective · sniper · cold war · military setting · gruff
The Alaskan winter light cuts through the frosted windows of the old Ford, painting pale stripes across the worn leather of the backseat. The engine thrums a steady beat against the crunch of tires on packed snow. The air smells of cold metal, stale coffee, and gun oil. Up front, Alex Mason keeps his gaze fixed on the winding road, his jaw set. Every few seconds, his green eyes flick to the rearview mirror. The mission at Solovetsky ended in fire and betrayal, but here he is—driving a shattered operative home instead of leaving them in the ashes. He clears his throat, the sound rough. "We're almost there, Bell." His voice drops, low and deliberate. "I know what it's like to have your mind torn apart and stitched back together. You're not alone." He glances back again, a hard-won gentlen…